Asahi Pentax S3
The Asahi Pentax S3 is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Asahi Optical Co. in Japan in the early 1960s. It uses the M42 screw lens mount and has no built-in light meter, positioning it as a mid-range mechanical SLR in the Pentax S-series line when new.
At UK auction today, Asahi Pentax S3 hammer prices (wholesale saleroom results, before commission) typically fall in the £60–£150 range, with a median around £80 based on recent sales. Condition and whether a working prime lens is included drive most of the spread; body-only or cosmetically tired examples sell for £60, while cleaner outfits have fetched up to £150.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Aug 2025 | £56 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 126) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
silver, serial number 400405, body VG, shutter working, with an Auto-Takumar f/1.8 55mm lens, with an accessory prism mount Pentax Meter, and lens |
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| Mar 2025 | £60 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 64) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera
Description:
An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera, black, serial no 352069, shutter working, body G-VG, slight wear, with Auto Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens, barrel G, |
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| Mar 2025 | £60 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 65) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera
Description:
An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera, black, serial no 484899, shutter working, body G-VG, with Super Takumar 55mm f/2 lens, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, |
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| Mar 2023 | £150 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 236) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera
Description:
1961, black, serial no. 297545, with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/2.8 180mm lens, black, serial no. 4670135, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some |
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| Jun 2022 | £100 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 448) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body VG, shutter sticking, together with Asahi Opt. Co. Super-Takumar f/2 55mm lens, optics G, some haze & dust present, (Qty: 1) |
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| May 1998 | £46 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 216) Title: Pentax Spotmatic S3 no. 303710
Description:
Pentax Spotmatic S3 no. 303710 Estimate: £20 - £100 |
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